Human Sleeping Chamber

ABSTRACT

The claimed invention is a human sleeping chamber for use in areas where either space is minimal, where additional soundproofing or privacy is desired or where the chambers may be temporarily placed due to inherent portability. The chambers feature a durable, soundproof, and weatherproof outer shell, encasing a mattress and various comforts desired in an overnight accommodation. The chambers may be adapted for permanent to semi-permanent placement, or for portability, such as for the back of vehicles or as temporary shelter in cases of emergency. The preferred embodiments also feature ventilation, heating and cooling systems.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims priority based on prior Provisional Application No. 60/455,147, filed Mar. 17, 2003, which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to enclosed chambers in which humans may sleep and more particularly relates to a sleeping chamber that is adaptable to numerous indoor and outdoor environments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Various chambers for sleeping individuals have been designed for therapeutic and personal reasons. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,497,231 (2002) to White; 6,293,055 (2001) to Watson; 4,594,817 (1986) to McLaren, et al.; and 4,490,864 (1985) to Wicker, Jr. are all illustrative of the prior art. Most times, individual sleeping chambers are utilized in an inside environment. This feature diminishes utility by requiring a structure be built, even if temporarily, to house the units.

[0004] While the aforementioned inventions accomplish their individual objectives, they do not describe a totally self contained, independent human sleeping chamber, one that is usable in both indoor and outdoor environments. In this respect, the human sleeping chamber according to the present invention departs substantially from the usual designs in the prior art. In doing so, this invention provides a human sleeping chamber totally independent of exterior surroundings while providing a safe, comfortable and economical location for a person to sleep.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of sleeping chambers, this invention provides an improved sleeping chamber. As such, the present invention's general purpose is to provide a new and improved human sleeping chamber that will be independent of it surroundings and, therefore, be portable into any environment while being safe, comfortable, and convenient to use.

[0006] To accomplish this objective, the chamber first consists of an exterior shell, which may be made of molded plastic. A secondary shell is also provided with thermal insulation provided in the gap between the shells, the insulation also providing sound dampening. The thickness of insulation may be varied as to the intended environment of the chamber. Also between the shells is a ventilation system, with temperature control systems. The interior shell contains a mattress, a lighting system, desired entertainment systems (e.g. television, radio), other comfort systems (e.g. coffee maker, temperature, ventilation controls) and a security system comprising at least a camera and monitor for viewing the exterior of the chamber. The chamber is secured by two doors, both being lockable from inside the chamber and both providing a thermally prohibitive seal. Battery power is ideally provided, though in appropriate climates solar power may be utilized. The chamber may be adapted for various uses, including for installation in mass sleeping quarters, on a pick-up truck bed, stand alone outside or inside. As a result, the human sleeping chamber according to the present invention provides privacy, entertainment, 24-hour sleep cycle control and security.

[0007] The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

[0008] Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

[0009] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0010] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the human sleeping chamber according to the present invention, with the main door ajar.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the same chamber, in partial section, with the main door closed.

[0013]FIG. 3 is a plan view of a representative control panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the human sleeping chamber is now described. In practice, the basic human sleeping chamber is a doubled walled structure, as shown in FIG. 2, having an interior casing 29 and an exterior casing 33. The zone between the casings is filled with insulation and provides space for running vent and ductwork 21 and electrical wires 27. A door 32 is also provided and is likewise double walled 30, 31. Vent and ductwork, ideally are tubes 21 operably connected through a tube 20 to a heating and cooling system, such as heat exchanger 18. Exchanger 18 may be installed within the casings as well for totally contained units. Vents 19, 23, 24 are also provided for proper functioning of the ventilation system. Anti-reverse flow valves 22 may also be provided to aid in air distribution. Powering the chamber may be accomplished through an external source, as indicated in the figure, or may be a battery internal to the chamber. Likewise, solar or fuel cells may be utilized for standalone chambers. The power system provides electrical power to the internal systems, such as lighting 26 and the control system 25.

[0015] Opening the chamber, shown in FIG. 1, reveals the comfort systems in place for the occupant. Mattress 14 is located on the floor 15 of the chamber, and may ideally be an inflatable mattress for individualized support preferences. A matt 17 is also provided to prevent mattress 14 from slipping. The door 32 may be attached to the chamber in any known manner. Illustrated is a hinged 34 connection with pneumatic shocks 7 for door support. Handle 8 is provided for both locking and manipulating the door from the inside. The interior features are entirely customizable for the desires of the user. Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a television monitor 4 and support system 5, a wireless keyboard for internet access, a cabinet 10 for storage of personal items, a control panel 13, including a radio with speakers 9 and an alarm clock, along with climate control, a water spigot 11 and a 110 Volt outlet 12 for a small appliance. A surveillance system is also provided through camera 3. Controls for the surveillance system may also be located on panel 13 and may display images from the outside on television 4. A secondary door 2 may also be provided for egress in the event the primary door 32 is blocked. It is important to note that the included comfort systems are for illustration only. Any system may be conceivably installed in the chamber and still practice the present invention and the claims should not be read as being limited by these included systems.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a sample illustration of a control panel 13. Included is a volume control 40 for the entertainment system and other radio controls 45 and display 49. Also included is an inflation knob 41 for the air mattress 14 and an alarm control 43. Thermostat 44 provides climate control for the user. LCD display 42 provides general information, such as time. Lights are operated by switches 46 and 47 and camera control 48 is used to operate the surveillance system. As before mentioned, any conceivable system may be installed in the chamber, and the controls for such systems may or may not be on a single control panel.

[0017] The model illustrated in the figures is a standing model, utilizing legs 16. It is important to realize that the mode of support and use of the present invention are adaptable for any conceivable use, including mounting such chambers in frames for mass housing, on vehicles for portable housing or as standalone units as illustrated, without leaving the scope of the appended claims Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. 

1. A human sleeping chamber comprising: a. An outer casing, having an interior and an exterior; b. An inner casing, having an interior and an exterior and located within the interior of the outer casing, defining a space between the exterior of the inner and interior of the outer casings; c. thermal insulation, located in the space between the inner and outer casings; d. a ventilation system capable of distributing air from outside the casings into the inside casing, said ventilation system having a control unit located within the inner casing; e. a thermal control system operably connected to the ventilation system, said system further having a control unit located within the inner casing; f. a power system, operably coupled to the ventilation and thermal control systems g. a door, lockable from inside the inner casing, ingress and egress within the inner casing; and h. a mattress located on a floor inside the inner casing.
 2. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising an exterior surveillance system, said exterior surveillance system further comprising a camera having a view outside the outer casing, a monitor, operably connected to the camera, and a control system operably connected to the camera and the monitor, said surveillance system likewise operably connected to the power system.
 3. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising a lighting system, operable from within the inner casing and operably connected to the power system.
 4. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising an entertainment system, said entertainment system further comprising at least one component selected from the set of components consisting of a television set, a computer, a radio, and a video game system.
 5. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising a communications system, said communications system further comprising at least one component selected from the set of components consisting of a telephone and an intercom.
 6. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising a control panel, mounted on the interior of the inner casing, said control panel featuring controls for any of the chamber's user operable systems.
 7. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising a water inlet.
 8. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising a vending system, operably connected to the door, allowing users to purchase access to the chamber.
 9. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising a secondary door, lockable from the interior of the inner casing.
 10. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, the outer casing being adapted to fit inside a motor vehicle cargo area.
 11. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising a solar energy collector, operably connected to the power system.
 12. T Te human sleeping chamber of claim 1, further comprising a solar energy collector, operably connected to the thermal control system.
 13. The human sleeping chamber of claim 1, the powers system further comprising at least one fuel cell. 